Building Integrated Photovoltaics with ASI® Glass

Whether a façade or a roof, today's building envelope fulfils multiple purposes. Along with its conventional roles of providing privacy and protection from rain and noise, additional factors are becoming increasingly important, such as thermal insulation and shading. All of these requirements are addressed by the shell of the building.

Today, building integrated photovoltaic systems are able to provide all of these functions plus solar electricity.

Engineering with Glass

Effective with conventional glazing systems

There are special solar cell encapsulations available for every application, for example, laminated glass for overhead applications. Used horizontally or vertically, ASI® Glass solar modules fulfil the requirements of the construction industry and can be used with almost all conventional framing systems. Static load requirements can be met by changing the type and thickness of the glass panes.The encapsulation of ASI® solar cells in laminated or double glazed constructions makes use of proven technology and manufacturing methods.

In addition to a large number of standard types and sizes, customisedsolutions can also be provided. Please contact us for additionalinformation.

Integrated solar modules from transparent to opaque

ASI® Glass elements are available in various design options. Depending on the application and the desired architectural appearance, this flexibility always allows the designer to optimise the integration of solar panels into the building.

Solar control and shading with ASI® Glass

Minimising heat gain in summer

In order to reduce the influx of thermal energy during the summer months, the glazing must be provided with some sort of sun shielding. This may be accomplished by additional coatings on the glass, the roller blinds or Venetian blinds.

Typical Applications with ASI ® Glass

Insulated elements for light roofs and facades

Sun shading lamellas and laminates for light roofs

Ventilated glass facades

Insulated elements for facades and light roofs

Building Insulation with ASI® Glass

Minimising thermal loss in winter

In order to achieve the above the glazing must serve two purposes: it must be transparent to sunlight, but insulate from thermal radiation. Modern glass coatings (low-e coatings) facilitate the separation of the shorter wavelength sunlight from the longer wavelength thermal radiation.

Electrical Energy

The ASI® semiconductor converts sunlight directly into electrical power. It is applied in very thin layers (<1 μm) on glass, so only one gram of semiconductor material is needed per square meter (~11 square feet) of modular surface. The semiconductor material consists of 99% silicon, derived from quartz sand. The ASI® semiconductor is free of heavy metals such as cadmium.

In addition to their homogeneous surfaces, thin film solar modules based on amorphous silicon have decisive advantages for building integration compared with crystalline solar cells.

Reliable power output even at low light levels down to 10% of full sun - a typical light condition on overcast days or caused by shading from neighbouring buildings.

The very small temperature coefficient of the power output guarantees almost full power at higher cell temperatures, as typically encountered with building integration.

The performance at low light levels or high cell temperatures leads to significantly higher energy yields during the course of a year.

We install solar systems in Northern NSW and Southern QLD.

QLD:Gold Coast (from Coolangatta to Southport), Nerang and Hinterland (Beaudesert) and out West (Warwick, Stanthorpe, Killarney)

NSW:Northern NSW (Tweed Heads to Yamba, including Evans Head, Byron Bay and Ballina); the Far North Coast Hinterland (Grafton via Lismore to Murwillumbah) and out West (Casino to Tenterfield, including Drake and Tabulam, as well as Woodenbong and Bonalbo)

For larger system we also go up to Brisbane or down to Coffs Harbour and even Glen Innes. Other places by arrangement.